My name is Vadim Fedan; 34 years old; living in Sumy, Ukraine. I am a person with a disability in a wheelchair. I am married and have one daughter, Alyona who is 15. Six years ago we were a happy family. Like every other young family, we had our plans and hopes for the future; however, fate has prepared a horrible trial for us.
As a result of my unfortunate dive in summer of 1998, I received a neck injury that left me completely paralyzed. Doctors said that I didn't have a chance of standing up ever again, and that I would be tied to my bed for the rest of my life. The accident has completely changed my life. While my family and I stayed in the hospital, we lost all opportunities to work. Also, all of the financial resources of my family were spent for the treatment because there is no health insurance in Ukraine yet.
At that time I started asking questions of how to overcome my fears and make myself continue living. I knew that if I let go of hope, something terrible is going to happen to me. However, hope kept living in me through love for my family and for life. Life is a precious gift which we should handle carefully. We can live a good life; we just need to find a way. Even if something unexpected comes up, we can find strength to escape a dead end.
Though I had lost an ability to move, I did not give up my ability to set goals. My disability made me realize the importance of life. Every day counts for me. If I waste time during the day, I reprimand myself for doing so. I always hope that some day I will be able to stand up and walk. I practice physical therapy when the opportunity is presented and participate in sports for disabled.
As a result of my determination, I continue to live an active lifestyle. I swim despite the fact that I am in a wheelchair. I am a champion of numerous Ukrainian swimming competitions for 2000-2003, and this year I won the championship of Ukraine.
Unfortunately, the financial side of our life remains in a very poor condition. Our monthly income (including my disability pension and my wife's wages) is equivalent to $35.00 U.S. dollars. We stretch this amount for rent and for food and that's about it. Because of lack of money, I don't get enough vitamins and medications to sustain functions of my body. Also, I cannot visit the rehabilitation center in Crimea (costs $1000) every summer to get a required therapy course. Other problems also exist like buying clothes and toiletries for the family, poor apartment condition (no accessibility ramp, water pipes are outdated and leaking, doors and windows let in cold air, lack of furniture). Also, I would like to mention that wheelchairs given out by the government are not suitable for disabled people.
To make a long story short, I feel discriminated because of my disability everywhere I go: grocery stores, higher educational institutions, workforce services, etc.
Public transportation is not equipped for wheelchairs even though there are special monetary benefits to ride it. I can only get to places with taxi that costs a lot of money. A lot of people in wheelchairs are stuck at home and they don't appear on the streets for years. Nevertheless, disabled people feel the urge to be a part of society and to communicate freely with others.
Unfortunately, the government does not provide help. Insignificant disability pension limits opportunities to be independent. I cannot possibly find a job even though I have a Bachelor's degree in engineering. Officially, Ukrainian people in wheelchairs are not eligible to work.
I've contacted several organizations in Ukraine for help including the President. I guess the word "charity" is not in people's vocabulary around here…
Even though I am underdressed, undernourished and neglected by society, I hope that the attitude toward people with disabilities in Ukraine will change for the better in the future. The main thing for me right now is to find my place in life and to believe in myself again. Only then I can unleash all of my abilities and overcome difficulties.
This is my story. I think the reader now realizes why I was inspired to write this letter. If at all possible, I am seeking help for my family in solving our numerous problems. Charity in Ukraine is a rare thing that is why I am forced to look all over the world for it. For me, only people with a great heart and a pure soul can sympathize with the less fortunate! Hopefully, you are one of them. I will be glad to accept any help.

God bless you!

With respect and hope for help,

Vadim Fedan